Finland elevates technology as a core element of its foreign and security policy, driving global influence through innovation and collaboration.
Finland’s Foreign Ministry recently hosted a vital event unveiling the focus areas of Finland’s international technology foreign policy, emphasising the country’s key role in powering Europe’s technological autonomy. The event, officiated by Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland (MFA), underscored the country’s strategic strengths in technology and its commitment to fostering international collaboration for mutual economic and security benefits.
Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, opened the event.
“Technology is no longer just a sector; it is the backbone of security, economy, and democracy.” — Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen
Finland Punches Above Its Weight in Tech
With a population of around 5.4 million, Finland exerts a significant global influence through its advanced technology ecosystems, strong industrial base, and excellent research capabilities. This enables Finland to perform impressively in international technology development and security, thereby enhancing Europe’s competitiveness and safety.
Driving Finnish Tech with Precision: Antti Vasara Named Special Envoy
To spearhead Finland’s technology diplomacy, the Ministry appointed Antti Vasara as Special Envoy for Technology.
“Finland’s technological expertise is ‘real hard currency’ that drives European strategic autonomy and economic security.” — Antti Vasara, Special Envoy for Technology
Vasara brings decades of experience from leading roles at VTT and Nokia. His role exemplifies the blend of technical expertise and international savvy necessary to raise Finland’s profile, deepen partnerships with like-minded countries, and open new market opportunities benefiting Finnish companies.
Finland’s Values Embedded in Tech Policy
Finland’s international technology policy is based on values like human rights and democracy, aiming to ensure safe tech development, support the growth of its tech sector, promote value-based governance, and use technology for sustainable development. These priorities reflect insights shared by experts, including event moderator Deputy Director General Marianne Nissilä , MFA, Head of Technology Team Aki Enkenberg , MFA, Leading Specialists Joonas Mikkilä , Technology Industries of Finland and Director Jenny Hasu , VTT.
Finland’s Strategic Technology Strengths
The event and accompanying Ministry documents identified several critical technological areas where Finland holds recognised global expertise and seeks to expand its leadership:
“The convergence of technologies opens unique market opportunities, enabling small countries like Finland to lead and innovate in emerging sectors where no single player yet dominates.” — Joonas Mikkilä, Leading Specialist, Technology Industries of Finland
Collaborative and Future-Focused Approach
Finland actively pursues international cooperation, focusing on allied and like-minded countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. At the same time, engagement with developing countries and multilateral institutions is emphasised to bridge digital divides and promote sustainable development.
Finland’s ‘secret sauce’ is a broad public-private collaboration, including government, industry, academia, non-profit organisations, and coordinated under the ‘Team Finland’ framework that together drives innovation and global competitiveness.
The European Union remains central to this tech diplomacy, providing regulatory influence and standardisation mechanisms that strengthen Finnish competitiveness globally.
A Call to Collaborate
As technology becomes increasingly integral to foreign and security policy, Finland seeks to position itself as a reliable and innovative partner dedicated to value-driven cooperation. Success depends on all stakeholders working together to identify shared interests and turn opportunities into tangible projects, which is the essence of the Team Finland approach
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Learn more about Finland’s international technology policy priorities and explore the detailed official announcement and event materials here:
- Watch the full event recording on YouTube (in Finnish): Finland’s Technology Foreign Policy Launch Event
- Read Finland’s official announcement on safe and value-based technological development: Finland advocates for safe and value-based technological development
- Discover Finland’s comprehensive international technology policy framework: International Technology Policy
Written by Antti Rahikainen, cover photo and translations AI-assisted.
